Christmas season in the Philippines is the most festive, the most lavish and happiest celebration of all festivals in the country. There is plenty of partying and merry-making where food and drinks flow.

Distinguished to be the oldest university in Asia having existed since 1611, the University of Santo Tomas is the only Philippine school conferred with titles such as Pontifical by Pope Leo XIII; Royal by King Charles III; and The Catholic University of the Philippines by Pope Pius XII.

Tubbataha Reef is the Philippines’ biggest protected marine area. It is home to about 500 species of fish, other marine life like sea turtles, cetaceans, corals some of which are endangered. Tubbataha Reef is a World Heritage Site, and one of the 8 best diving sites in the world according to CNN.

Lumpia is the Pinoy version of the spring roll. There are as many ways of preparing lumpia as there are many kinds of fillings one can put in. A healthy version is ubud lumpia or heart of palm spring roll.